How to Forgive: A Practical Guide by Lynda Bevan: Book Review

In the first chapter Lynda Bevan explains “this book will identify
the many aspects and meanings of the word ‘forgiveness’ and will
attempt to enable you to understand exactly how being able to forgive
someone is a basic, essential, necessary process in your life.”

Bevan further states “The focus of this book is ‘forgiveness in
adult relationships.'" Indeed, it is a book for healing adult
relationships. And, it certainly is one for those that have experienced
various negative emotions/feelings and lived through the trauma/drama
to get to the place of wanting self-awareness and healing the past. Any
age group or relationship, whether it be young or old, married or
divorced, same-gender or heterosexual, parent or child, or even
platonic friendships, will find Bevan's simple method of much benefit to
start the forgiveness process.

In the beginning of the book Bevan, in a gentle voice, helps the
reader understand what forgiveness really is and why we need to forgive.
She claims that we aren’t able to “move on” if we don’t practice and
incorporate forgiveness into our lives. Personally, I completely
agree with her. Sometimes forgiveness is the only medicine that will
heal emotional unrest.

Once the reader fully understands the necessity of forgiveness and
is willing to start the healing journey Bevan gives a step-by-step
process. Her guidance is clear and direct.

I believe the most important chapter in this book is “Implementing
Change.” The initial process may seem simple enough but the actual
change can be a challenge. Others may trigger negative emotions in us
and it becomes easy to slip into the old patterns. Bevan encourages
addressing the feelings by providing a set of questions to ask
ourselves. It’s only when we become clear that we are able to truly
forgive. “How to Forgive: A Practical Guide” is an important tool for
that clarity.